Hawks' Okongwu Available to Play vs. Surging Hornets

Atlanta's starting center returns from injury as team aims to slow down Charlotte's hot streak.

Feb. 7, 2026 at 5:23pm

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The Atlanta Hawks have announced that starting center Onyeka Okongwu is available to play in tonight's game against the Charlotte Hornets. Okongwu has missed the last four games due to a dental fracture. The Hawks will need Okongwu's presence as they face a Hornets team that has won 8 straight games and has the 3rd best net rating in the NBA over the past month. Meanwhile, the Hawks' trade deadline acquisition Jonathan Kuminga will miss the game with a left knee bone bruise.

Why it matters

Okongwu's return is crucial for the Hawks as they look to slow down the surging Hornets, who have been one of the hottest teams in the NBA lately. The Hawks are trying to push for a playoff spot, and this matchup against a conference rival will be an important test.

The details

Okongwu has been sidelined for the last four games due to a dental fracture, but the Hawks have announced he will be available to play tonight against the Hornets. Charlotte has won 8 straight games and has the 3rd best net rating in the NBA over the past month, led by their starting lineup of LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Kon Knueppel, Miles Bridges, and Moussa Diabate. The Hawks will also be without their trade deadline acquisition Jonathan Kuminga, who is out with a left knee bone bruise.

  • Okongwu has missed the last 4 games since being injured against the Celtics.
  • Kuminga will be out until after the All-Star break at the earliest.

The players

Onyeka Okongwu

The Atlanta Hawks' starting center who is returning from a dental fracture injury.

Jonathan Kuminga

The Hawks' trade deadline acquisition who will miss tonight's game with a left knee bone bruise.

LaMelo Ball

The star point guard leading the Charlotte Hornets' surging lineup.

Miles Bridges

A key member of the Hornets' starting lineup that has been playing at a high level during their 8-game winning streak.

Moussa Diabate

The Hornets' starting center who presents a tough matchup on the boards for the Hawks.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This matchup between the surging Hornets and the playoff-hopeful Hawks will be a tough test for Atlanta, who will need Onyeka Okongwu's presence in the lineup to try and slow down Charlotte's hot streak.